Ghangad - A new addition to the list!

Ghangad is a fort located in the Tamhini region of the Pune district. Located at a distance of around 80 kms from Pune and around 40 kms from Lonavala, this fort forms a part of the group of forts which were designed to protect the ghats which descend to the Konkan region.

As is the case with most, if not all forts in Maharashtra, even this fort's primary access route has been destroyed by the British during their campaign to destroy all access routes to all defensible forts in the region. There is only one access to this fort which is from the Ekole village side. There may have been a small flight of stairs to access the balekilla of the fort, but has been destroyed during the British purge.
An organisation has carried out some restoration work and has affixed a firm metal ladder here to facilitate the trekkers who wish to visit the fort. The same organisation has also done some partial restoration of the fort.

The route begins from the Ekole village. It's quite easy to find and a has a board with "Shivaji Trail" marking it out. Immediately after you start on the trail, you come across two roads, one which is a large, possibly motorable dirt track and another small trail which runs parallel to a barbed wire fence. We have to take the smaller path. The path runs along the fence's length until the woods start. The path in the woods is also quite large until you reach the actual treeline, beyond which the path whittles down to a small track. Keep following this path until you come up to a clearing which plays host to a small temple. 

Immediately after you enter the clearing, you will see two small deepstambhs on your right,

the path to the fort, is on the left. Moving on to the fort, the path now becomes a bit darker, thanks to the thick camouflage of the trees. You can see some remains of stairs here and there, moving ahead on this path, you come up to the mountain, you will see the path continuing on your left. Follow this path until you come to a T junction. The path to the left leads to a small col between the fort and the neighbouring mountain, while the one on the right goes up to the fort. The col offers a terrific view of the valley on the other side of the fort. Taking the right path will take you to the remains of the 1st gate of the fort. 

Immediately after you pass the gate, you will see a small cave ahead, however, this cave cannot be used as a shelter since the floor is very uneven. If you want to stay on the fort, it will be more advisable to carry a tent with you. After entering the gate, if you move towards the left, you will see a metal ladder attached to a small rock patch. At the top of this ladder, there is a small water tank in the rock face, which contains potable water. On the left, you can see the path to the fort, there are another 2 small water tanks. Just beyond the tanks, there is a small rock patch which you would have to climb to get up to the main part of the fort. The rock patch is quite easy to climb and descend, though people new to trekking may require help in some parts. 

There's not much to see on this fort as most of the structures have been worn down by time. As you enter the fort, there are some remains of the main door of the fort. As you enter the fort you can see remains of the lone bastion of the fort. Take the path which is going towards the bastion, the path diverges towards the right and moves to the opposite side of the fort. This side of the fort offers a magnificent view of the nearby fort of Teilbaila.

We took the Lonavala route on our way home, and I would not recommend using it, unless you have no choice. While the distance from Ekole to Lonavala is quite less, the road is almost non existent in some places.

For additonal photos please visit my G+ page or visit the following link : Ghangad 25th December 2015